El Tel wrote in The Sun: "Apparently it is their worst start to a season for 101 years and their worst start made by a new boss in 85 years. Given the way one of his predecessors, Roy Hodgson, was so ruthlessly relieved of his duties a couple of campaigns ago, belief is growing that Rodgers could go the same way.

"But recently I have seen enough signs - not including the one at John Lennon Airport - to suggest the Northern Irishman has what it takes to get Liverpool off the ground once again.

"Not only did he handle himself impeccably off the pitch during the recent Hillsborough hearings and judgements - but his players have shown they are responding to his new measures.

"They were unlucky not to get a result against Man United on Sunday and surely would have done so had it not been for Jonjo Shelvey's hotheadedness.

"Rodgers claimed his midfielder did not deserve the red card he received for his reckless challenge on Jonny Evans, and you could see his point.

"However, had Shelvey not been sent off I am almost certain Liverpool would have won the game, instead of losing it 2-1.

"They bounced back in the right fashion, winning 2-1 at West Brom in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday."